Feature Articles

Johnson City launches community-wide branding program

The City of Johnson City has recently begun a research-driven, community-wide branding initiative. This effort will help Johnson City stand out in the marketplace as we grow toward our preferred future. Get involved and complete the survey at www.BrandJC.com before March 25th.

For more information or questions, please call Community Relations at 423-434-6022.

Johnson City named official Hidden Heroes City

The City of Johnson City is proud to announce that upon adoption of mayoral resolution, it is now an official Hidden Heroes City. Hidden Heroes board members Amanda Arwood, Karyn Carriger, Phil Carriger, and Maxine Phillippi accepted the resolution from Vice Mayor Jenny Brock – who is also the chairwoman of Hidden Heroes – at the March 1 Board of Commissioners meeting.

Founded by former U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole, the mission of Hidden Heroes is to bring vital attention to the untold stories of military caregivers and seeks solution for the tremendous challenges and long-term needs they face. The organization works to inspire individuals, businesses, communities, and civic, faith, and government leaders to take action in supporting military caregivers in their communities and to better connect them to helpful resources and support.

“When my husband Bob Dole was admitted to Walter Reed Army Medical Center for an extended period of time in 2011, my eyes were opened to the tremendous challenges facing the loved ones caring for our wounded, ill and injured warriors,” Dole said. “Following Bob’s hospitalization, I established the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to help raise awareness and seek solutions for our military caregivers.” Sen. Dole commissioned the RAND Corporation to conduct the first national comprehensive evidence-based study of military and veteran caregivers. With more than 5.5 million military and veteran caregivers in the United States, the research revealed a societal crisis requiring a holistic national response. Countless spouses, parents, and other loved ones transform their lives and set aside their own careers to care for those who served our country. These caregivers are often in total isolation, without any support.

“We don’t want that to be the case in our community,” said Arwood. “These caregivers are truly ‘hidden heroes’ and by creating this network locally, we encourage them to come out of the shadows and discover a whole new support system that can help sustain them through their journey.”

JCPD encourages citizens to "See Something, Say Something"

‘Tis the season for family, fellowship and large gatherings of people. With the holiday season upon us, the Johnson City Police Department encourages citizens to be aware of their surroundings at special events. Though being aware of one’s surroundings is good advice any time of the year, the holiday season is an excellent time to remind the public of this safety practice.

“Our police department depends upon the public in helping ensure a safe and secure environment. A key component of that partnership is our citizens being the eyes and ears of the department for anything that looks suspicious or out of the ordinary,” said Police Chief Mark Sirois. “This awareness is often simply stated in the slogan see something, say something.”

In order to report suspicious activity, call 911. Citizens should obtain and relate as many details as possible, such as who or what they observed, at what time, where it occurred, and why it appears suspicious.

“This is a joyous time of celebration, and we hope everyone enjoys all the holiday season has to offer. At the same time, tragic events across our country can serve as a reminder for us to be mindful of suspicious behavior or activity. If anything seems out of the ordinary, report it immediately,” Sirois said.

This could include unattended bags, packages, carts or other items, as well as people who are hanging back from and watching a crowd. If the behavior or activity doesn’t seem right or seems out of place, report it to 911. “Some of these things can be completely innocent, but it’s best to let law enforcement determine that,” Sirois said. “It takes all of us working together to keep our community safe…all year.”

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Cold weather has arrived, and that can mean bad news for water pipes. The Johnson City Water and Sewer Services Department encourages residents to follow these tips to protect their pipes. These precautions are especially important when homeowners are out of town and temperatures are below freezing.

• Eliminate drafts – Keep doors and windows in the basement and garage tightly closed. Close off crawl space vents and doors, and seal cracks in basement or crawl space walls.

• Insulate – Insulate pipes in unheated portions of the house such as exterior walls, crawl spaces, basements, cabinets or any enclosure where air can't circulate. Be alert for damp insulation; water soaked insulation can cause a freeze-up.

• Protect meter – Make sure the meter box cover is not broken, missing or ajar. These conditions allow freezing cold air to penetrate the box's insulation. Report missing or broken covers to the Water and Sewer Services Department at (423)461-1645.

• Protect outside faucets – Outside faucets and sprinkler systems should be drained. Garden hoses should be disconnected and drained. Any space between faucet and exterior wall should be caulked. Check with your plumber about frost-proof faucets.

• Drain pipes if leaving town – When away from home for extended periods and heat is not left on, turn water off at cutoff and drain the lines.

• Leave faucet running – When temperatures reach low teens, leave a very thin stream of water running continuously from at least one tap. It is important to note, however, that faucets left running may have an adverse effect on septic tanks. Other precautions should be taken.

• Open cabinet doors – If a sink is on an outside wall, open vanity or cabinet doors to allow warm air to reach water pipes.

• Thaw carefully – Never use an open flame to thaw a frozen pipe. Use hot air from a hair dryer, vacuum cleaner exhaust, heat tape or light bulb.

• Locate shut-off valve – Don't wait until a water pipe is broken to find the shut-off valve. While the Water and Sewer Services Department is responding to your emergency call, you will be able to minimize your damage by quickly stopping the flow of water. The City's plumbing code requires a shut-off valve. This is usually located inside near where the main water line enters the house. It may also be located in the basement, beneath the floor, in the garage or utility room. Check with your builder or plumber to assist in locating the shut-off valve.

For more information about water pipe maintenance, click here to watch our video, or contact Water and Sewer Services at (423)461-1645.